Irene Walta Gingrich

Irene Walta Gingrich, June 23, 2026. Irene was 98.  Born in Lyons, Illinois in 1927 and the daughter of Bohemian immigrants Joseph and Amelia (Mundil) Walta, Irene was a loving and very beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.

Irene’s life centered around her love for Jesus, her family and music. Her favorite hymn was Trust and Obey and she set a wonderful Christian example for all who knew her.

Irene married Carl B. Gingrich of Lebanon, Pennsylvania in 1949. They were married for 40 years and had three sons – Dave, Dan and Duane. Carl and Irene lovingly and skillfully raised their family in a house they purchased in Stickney, Illinois in 1952 and she lived in that house for 61 years until she moved into senior living at Oak Trace in Downers Grove.

Trained in piano as a girl, Irene loved to use her talents to serve the Lord. She was the long-time church organist for Northwest Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in Chicago and for Warren Park Presbyterian Church in Cicero. Irene and Carl frequently served as musicians for Moody Radio’s station WMBI and served as guest musicians for many churches in many states over many years. Irene was also a cherished piano teacher and accompanist for student soloists throughout Illinois School District 103.

When the boys no longer needed her at home full-time, Irene worked as administrative assistant for Western Electric/AT&T/Lucent for over 20 years.  

Irene had three siblings – Paul, Helen and Joe. Among them, they had 15 children. These cousins and their spouses formed a loving network that continues today and now includes many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Irene was preceded by her parents, her husband Carl Gingrich, her brother Paul Walta and her sister Helen (Walta) Johnson. She is survived by her brother Joe (Joyce) Walta, sons Dave (Doreen) Gingrich, Dan (Mary) Gingrich and Duane (Janet) Gingrich, by grandchildren Julie (Tony) Clay, Matt (Jennifer) Gingrich, Michelle (Kevin) Phillips, Dawn Gingrich, Mark (Sarah) Gingrich, John (Amanda) Gingrich, Sarah Cameron and great-grandchildren Kara Gingrich, Noah Gingrich, Chase Cameron, Ally Clay, Luke Cameron, Asher Gingrich, Benjamin Gingrich, Isaac Gingrich and Clara Gingrich.

Her departure leaves a large space in our hearts and lives, but we are joyful that our Mom and Grandma is now with her Savior. After 98 years of loving and serving others here, she can now love and serve for eternity. We can’t wait to make music with her again. We deeply thank the wonderful care givers at Oak Trace Senior Living and at Angel’s Grace, the special people who gave Grandma hospice care.

We will have a graveside service at 11am Saturday, July 25 at Mount Auburn Cemetery (4101 South Oak Park Avenue, Stickney, IL 60402). The service will be followed by a luncheon for family and friends at 1pm. If you can join us for the service and/or luncheon, please RSVP to doreeng@sycamoremp.com . 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.